Gold plays an important part in central banks’ reserves management, and they are significant holders of gold. This gold reserve data – compiled using IMF IFS statistics – tracks central banks’ reported purchases and sales along with gold as a percentage of their international reserves.

For more information see our Gold Demand Trends report.

Commentary

Global official gold reserves fell by 21.5t in November, as a sizable sale from Uzbekistan tipped the balance in what would have otherwise been a flat month. This is the first monthly decline since January 2021, when central banks collectively sold a net 11.2t. Uzbekistan registered the largest decline in November; its gold reserves fell by 21.5t to 353.6t. Turkey (-7t), Russia (-3.1t), and the Kyrgyz Republic (-1.4t) were the other notable sellers during the month. Net purchases were concentrated amongst a small group of regular buyers: Kazakhstan (4.3t), Poland (3.4t), India (2.8t), and Ireland (0.7t). Despite the swing into net sales in November, central banks remain on course to be healthy net purchasers for 2021

 

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来源: Central Banks, 圣路易斯联邦储备银行, 国际货币基金组织, 世界银行, 世界黄金协会; 版权和其他权利

“This chart was updated in September 2021 and reports data available at that time. Data are taken from the International Monetary Fund's International Financial Statistics (IFS), September 2021 edition, and other sources where applicable. IFS data are two months in arrears, so holdings are as of July 2021 for most countries, June 2021 or earlier for late reporters. Where the World Gold Council knows of movements that are not reported to the IMF or misprints, changes have been made.

The percentage share held in gold of total foreign reserves is calculated by the World Gold Council. The value of gold holdings is calculated using the end of quarter LBMA Gold Price, which is published daily by ICE Benchmark Administration for the value of other reserves are taken from IFS, table ‘Total Reserves minus Gold’.”

Length and Frequency

Quarterly official gold holdings from 2000, as well as the latest available month-end data for the Top 100 holders.

Monthly and annual detailed changes in gold reserves from January 2002.

Annual sales by CBGA signatories from 1999.

Update Schedule

Monthly files are updated within the first 10 days of the month (with data two months in arrears). Quarterly data is updated a month after the end of the quarter.

Units

Holdings are given in tonnes, US$ value and % of total reserves. Changes in holdings are measured in tonnes.